New Mexico Recovery Advocate Honored for 25 Years Sobriety
A state program manager is the first treatment court graduate to enter the national Stanley Goldstein Hall of Fame.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Carlos Gonzales, a state program manager in New Mexico, has been inducted into the Stanley Goldstein Hall of Fame for his leadership in recovery support. This honor marks a significant milestone for a former treatment court participant who has maintained sobriety for 25 years.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the long-term efficacy of treatment courts in fostering sustained recovery and professional stability. It underscores the value of peer-led networks in helping individuals navigate the challenges of life after formal substance use treatment programs.
The award recognizes the impact of a 25-year sobriety journey and the successful scaling of peer support models across New Mexico. The initiative currently supports 187 alumni coordinators and 33 groups, demonstrating the expansion of post-treatment infrastructure.
The players
Carlos Gonzales
The Statewide Program Manager at the New Mexico Administrative Office of Courts who oversees recovery alumni initiatives.
All Rise
A national organization of treatment court professionals that promotes recovery through judicial intervention and presented the hall of fame award.
The details
Carlos Gonzales utilized his own experience completing a drug court treatment program to build a formalized statewide alumni network. He now manages this infrastructure for the New Mexico Administrative Office of Courts, providing a structured framework for graduates to maintain recovery. This approach emphasizes sustained connection to peers and court systems as a primary tool for ongoing stability.
Timeline
Carlos Gonzales achieved his sobriety in 2001.
The Stanley Goldstein Hall of Fame induction occurred in 2026.
Health Landscape
The induction marks the first time a treatment court graduate has been recognized by the Stanley Goldstein Hall of Fame. This milestone signals a shift in treatment court philosophy toward valuing the long-term professional and personal contributions of program graduates.
For those in recovery, this development highlights the potential benefits of engaging with formalized peer support alumni groups available in many courts. If you are navigating a recovery program, it is worth discussing available transition resources and alumni networks with your care team.
The takeaway
Sustained sobriety often relies on the strength of the community support systems individuals build after leaving formal care. Speak with your healthcare provider or court coordinator about accessing peer-led recovery groups in your area to maintain long-term stability.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources and support networks in the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOB.
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